Cyber security requires vigilance online Published Oct. 6, 2010 By Wing Information Assurance Office SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- With October recognized as National Cyber Security Awareness month, the Information Assurance Office gives the following advice to keep information secure when online. Although the term "cyber security" sounds high-tech, it's something everyone can and should understand. Cyber security involves protecting information online--everything from e-mail to cell phones, digital cable to airplane navigation, online shopping to medical records. Consider that from the time the telephone was invented in 1876, it took another 50 years for the first transatlantic phone call to be placed, and almost 80 years before all Americans could even dial long distance. By comparison, the first commercial web browser came out just over 15 years ago, and today the vast majority of Americans are online, as are more than a billion-and-a-half people around the world. The very openness of the Internet, one of its greatest strengths, is also its greatest vulnerability. The September 11th hijackers used travel sites to plan their attacks. The federal government recently set up a cyber security department and is hard at work coming up with a plan to protect cyberspace--but everyone plays a role in ensuring cyber security. The first step is to be more aware--to understand what risks are out there. Dangers include viruses, which can shut down entire systems; hackers altering files or using someone else's computer to attack others; or a stranger gaining personal information from something as simple as a family photo posted online. As individuals, the following steps can make a big difference: -Install and activate firewalls for the computer and internet connections; -Make sure anti-virus and anti-spyware software is installed and up-to-date; -Check computer settings to make sure operating systems and applications are automatically patched; -Practice good online habits by not visiting suspect sites, downloading suspicious documents or attachments, or opening e-mail from unknown sources; -Back up files regularly and use strong and secure passwords; and -Begin educating children early about staying safe online. "Every time we log on to a computer, we're entering a cyber battlefield," said Richard Smith, 375th Air Mobility Wing Information Assurance Office deputy manager. "Equip yourself and your family with the knowledge to stay safe and secure." For more information, contact your organization's Information Assurance Officer or the wing Information Assurance Office at 256-4295.